Jack Ross's Sunderland are through to the next round of the Carabao Cup after beating League One rivals Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground.
It was a tale of two strikers for Sunderland on Tuesday night.
Away at Accrington Stanley in the Carabao Cup first round, the contrast between Marc McNulty and Will Grigg could hardly have been more pronounced.
While McNulty was the best player on the pitch, running the Stanley defence ragged, scoring once and assisting another, Sunderland’s £4 million man is looking more expensive by the game.
In 25 games since his big-money move from Wigan Athletic, Grigg has found the target just five times. And he never looked like adding to that tally during an ineffective display at the Crown Ground while McNulty inspired the Black Cats to a 3-1 win – their first triumph of the season.
To make matters even worse for the Republic of Ireland international, Charlie Wyke came off the bench to net his first goal of the season late on with an impudent near-post flick.
Suddenly, Sunderland fans are demanding a McNulty-Wyke partnership as Sunderland look to get their League One campaign up and running against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Grigg’s fire has been well and truly extinguished.
I’d start with Wyke and Mcnaulty on Saturday, losing patients with Grigg
— Safc phil corcoran⚪️⚪️ (@cockneymackem) August 13, 2019
Marc McNulty is different class he needs to start ahead of Grigg who's fire has went out
— SafcScottishBranch (@ScottishSafc) August 13, 2019
McNulty and Wyke upfront looked pretty exciting tonight. Could be what we need. Grigg another effortless performance #SAFC
— Jeffred (@jeffred3098) August 13, 2019
Right Mr Ross, learn from tonight - have to play 4 at back v Portsmouth, leave Flanagan in Seaburn and put Ozturk in at CB, Maguire and Power must come into midfield and, oh, send Grigg to Seaburn to keep Flanagan company. Positive display for once, gd to see #safc
— Kevin Moeliker (@Kevsol) August 14, 2019
Keep the same side for Saturday minus Grigg, start Wyke. Maybe Ross has been pushing for the wrong partnership.
— Bradley (@Bradley_Safc) August 13, 2019
Damning night for Will Grigg...
— Michael Potts (@MichaelPottsRT) August 13, 2019
- McNulty scores, hits the bar, couple of other chances.
- Big Charles scores 10 minutes after coming off the bench.
- McGeady... walks past three defenders and sticks it in.#SAFC
Drop Grigg instantly.
— Bradley (@Bradley_Safc) August 13, 2019
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